• Tuberculosis and Respiratory Diseases
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• v.77 no.6
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• pp.243-250
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• 2014

Background: Information regarding prognostic value of growth differentiation factor 15 (GDF-15) and heart-type fatty acid-binding protein (H-FABP) in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) exacerbation is limited. The aim of this study was to investigate whether serum levels of GDF-15 and H-FABP predict an adverse outcome for COPD exacerbation. Methods: Clinical variables, including serum GDF-15 and H-FABP levels were compared in prospectively enrolled patients with COPD exacerbation that did or did not experience an adverse outcome. An adverse outcome included 30-day mortality and need for endotracheal intubation or inotropic support. Results: Ninety-seven patients were included and allocated into an adverse outcome (n=10) or a control (n=87) group. Frequencies of mental change and $PaCO_2$>37 mm Hg were significantly higher in the adverse outcome group (mental change: 30% vs. 6%, p=0.034 and $PaCO_2$>37 mm Hg: 80% vs. 22%, p<0.001, respectively). Serum GDF-15 elevation (>1,600 pg/mL) was more common in the adverse outcome group (80% vs. 43%, p=0.041). However, serum H-FABP level and frequency of serum H-FABP elevation (>755 pg/mL) did not differ between the two groups. Multivariate analysis showed that an elevated serum GDF-15 and $PaCO_2$>37 mm Hg were significant predictors of an adverse outcome (odds ratio [OR], 25.8; 95% confidence interval [CI], 2.7-243.8; p=0.005 and OR, 11.8; 95% CI, 1.2-115.3; p=0.034, respectively). Conclusion: Elevated serum GDF-15 level and $PaCO_2$>37 mm Hg were found to predict an adverse outcome independently in patients with COPD exacerbation, suggesting the possibility that serum GDF-15 could be used as a prognostic biomarker of COPD exacerbation.

• Journal of Korean Neurosurgical Society
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• v.48 no.2
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• pp.99-104
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• 2010

Objective : We conducted this study to evaluate the clinical impact of early enteral nutrition (EN) on in-hospital mortality and outcome in patients with critical hypertensive intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH). Methods : We retrospectively analyzed 123 ICH patients with Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) score of 3-12. We divided the subjects into two groups : early EN group (< 48 hours, n = 89) and delayed EN group ($\geq$ 48 hours, n = 34). Body weight, total intake and output, serum albumin, Creactive protein, infectious complications, morbidity at discharge and in-hospital mortality were compared with statistical analysis. Results : The incidence of nosocomial pneumonia and length of intensive care unit stay were significantly lower in the early EN group than in the delayed EN group (p < 0.05). In-hospital mortality was less in the early EN group than in the delayed EN group (10.1% vs. 35.3%, respectively; p = 0.001). By multivariate analysis, early EN [odds ratio (OR) 0.229, 95% CI : 0.066-0.793], nosocomial pneumonia (OR = 5.381, 95% CI : 1.621-17.865) and initial GCS score (OR = 1.482 95% CI : 1.160-1.893) were independent predictors of in-hospital mortality in patients with critical hypertensive ICH. Conclusion : These findings indicate that early EN is an important predictor of outcome in patients with critical hypertensive ICH.

• Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention
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• v.15 no.10
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• pp.4143-4145
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• 2014

Background: This study used receiver operating characteristic curve to analyze Surveillance, Epidemiology and End Results (SEER) Ewing sarcoma (ES) outcome data. The aim of this study was to identify and optimize ES-specific survival prediction models and sources of survival disparities. Materials and Methods: This study analyzed socio-economic, staging and treatment factors available in the SEER database for ES. 1844 patients diagnosed between 1973-2009 were used for this study. For the risk modeling, each factor was fitted by a Generalized Linear Model to predict the outcome (bone and joint specific death, yes/no). The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (ROC) was computed. Similar strata were combined to construct the most parsimonious models. Results: The mean follow up time (S.D.) was 74.48 (89.66) months. 36% of the patients were female. The mean (S.D.) age was 18.7 (12) years. The SEER staging has the highest ROC (S.D.) area of 0.616 (0.032) among the factors tested. We simplified the 4-layered risk levels (local, regional, distant, un-staged) to a simpler non-metastatic (I and II) versus metastatic (III) versus un-staged model. The ROC area (S.D.) of the 3-tiered model was 0.612 (0.008). Several other biologic factors were also predictive of ES-specific survival, but not the socio-economic factors tested here. Conclusions: ROC analysis measured and optimized the performance of ES survival prediction models. Optimized models will provide a more efficient way to stratify patients for clinical trials.

• Journal of Yeungnam Medical Science
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• v.36 no.2
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• pp.124-135
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• 2019

Background: We aimed to establish robust histoprognostic predictors on residual rectal cancer after preoperative chemoradiotherapy (CRT). Methods: Analyzing known histoprognostic factors in 146 patients with residual disease allows associations with patient outcome to be evaluated. Results: The median follow-up time was 77.8 months, during which 59 patients (40.4%) experienced recurrence and 41 (28.1%) died of rectal cancer. On univariate analysis, residual tumor size, ypT category, ypN category, ypTNM stage, downstage, tumor regression grade, lymphatic invasion, perineural invasion, venous invasion, and circumferential resection margin (CRM) were significantly associated with recurrence free survival (RFS) or/and cancer-specific survival (CSS) (all p<0.005). On multivariate analysis, higher ypTNM stage and CRM positivity were identified as independent prognostic factors for RFS (ypTNM stage, p=0.024; CRM positivity, p<0.001) and CSS (p=0.022, p=0.017, respectively). Furthermore, CRM positivity was an independent predictor of reduced RFS and CSS, irrespective of subgrouping according to downstage (non-downstage, p<0.001 and p<0.001; downstage, p=0.002 and p=0.002) or lymph node metastasis (non-metastasis, p<0.001 and p=0.001; metastasis, p<0.001 and p<0.001). Conclusion: CRM status may be as powerful as ypTNM stage as a prognostic indicator for patient outcome in patients with residual rectal cancer after preoperative CRT.

• Journal of the Korean Society of Radiology
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• v.81 no.3
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• pp.665-675
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• 2020

Purpose This study aimed to identify independent predictors of favorable outcomes associated with emergent carotid artery stenting (CAS) in patients with acute anterior circulation stroke. Materials and Methods This study included 93 patients with acute stroke who underwent emergent CAS to treat stenoocclusive lesions in the cervical internal carotid artery (ICA) within 6 hours of the onset of the associated symptoms. Data were compared between patients with and without favorable outcomes. The independent predictors of a favorable outcome were determined via logistic regression analysis (modified Rankin Scale 0-2 at 90 days). Results Intracranial tandem occlusion was noted in 81.7% of patients (76/93) among which (76/93), 55 of whom underwent intracranial recanalization therapy. Intracranial reperfusion was successful in 74.2% (69/93) and favorable outcomes were noted in 51.6% of patients (48/93). The mortality rate was 6.5% (6/93). In logistic regression analysis, diffusion-weighted imaging-Alberta Stroke Program Early CT Score [odds ratio (OR), 1.487; 95% confidence interval (CI), 1.018-2.173, p = 0.04], successful reperfusion (OR, 5.199; 95% CI, 1.566-17.265, p = 0.007), and parenchymal hemorrhage (OR, 0.042; 95% CI, 0.003-0.522, p = 0.014) were independently associated with a favorable outcome. Conclusion Baseline infarct size, reperfusion status, and parenchymal hemorrhage were independent predictors of favorable outcomes after emergent CAS to treat stenoocclusive lesions in the cervical ICA in patients with acute anterior circulation stroke.

• Clinical and Experimental Pediatrics
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• v.56 no.7
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• pp.275-281
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• 2013

Temporal lobe epilepsy (TLE) is the most common type of medically intractable epilepsy in adults and children, and mesial temporal sclerosis is the most common underlying cause of TLE. Unlike in the case of adults, TLE in infants and young children often has etiologies other than mesial temporal sclerosis, such as tumors, cortical dysplasia, trauma, and vascular malformations. Differences in seizure semiology have also been reported. Motor manifestations are prominent in infants and young children, but they become less obvious with increasing age. Further, automatisms tend to become increasingly complex with age. However, in childhood and especially in adolescence, the clinical manifestations are similar to those of the adult population. Selective amygdalohippocampectomy can lead to excellent postoperative seizure outcome in adults, but favorable results have been seen in children as well. Anterior temporal lobectomy may prove to be a more successful surgery than amygdalohippocampectomy in children with intractable TLE. The presence of a focal brain lesion on magnetic resonance imaging is one of the most reliable independent predictors of a good postoperative seizure outcome. Seizure-free status is the most important predictor of improved psychosocial outcome with advanced quality of life and a lower proportion of disability among adults and children. Since the brain is more plastic during infancy and early childhood, recovery is promoted. In contrast, long epilepsy duration is an important risk factor for surgically refractory seizures. Therefore, patients with medically intractable TLE should undergo surgery as early as possible.

• Korean Journal of Community Nutrition
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• v.13 no.6
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• pp.805-817
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• 2008

The aim of this study was to determine the predictors of desirable pregnancy outcomes. The subjects were 795 pregnant women participating in the 2007 Mom and Baby Expo. They were grouped by gestational age: group I (3-12 wk: n = 95), group II (13-25 wks: n = 263) and group III (26-42 wks: n = 437). We collected data for general characteristics, sociocultural factors, life styles and nutrient intakes. We also collected pregnancy outcome data of 634 pregnant women including birth weight, maternal weight gain and gestational age. Dietary intakes of the subjects were estimated by Food Frequency Questionnaire. folate, iron and calcium intakes from foods of pregnant women were 88%, 79% and 58% of KDRIs, respectively. Bivariate analysis showed that birth weight was significantly associated with pre-pregnancy BMI, maternal weight gain, maternal age, gestational age and intakes of iron, potassium, $vitaminB_1$, $B_6$, fatty acids, MUFA. And also, bivariate analysis showed that maternal weight gain was significantly associated with pre-pregnancy BMI, maternal age, gestational age and intakes of energy, potassium. Further multivariate analyses suggest that vitaminB6 may be a significant predictor for low birth weight and energy intake and maternal age for maternal weight gain. Our findings suggest that dietary and lifestyle interventions during pregnancy can improve maternal and infant pregnancy outcomes. Prepregnancy weight control and intakes of energy and vitamin $B_6$ need to be taken into considerations in developing strategic prenatal care programs to promote desirable pregnancy outcome.

• The korean journal of orthodontics
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• v.45 no.6
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• pp.308-321
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• 2015

Objective: The efficacy of mandibular advancement devices (MADs) in the treatment of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) ranges between 42% and 65%. However, it is still unclear which predictive factors can be used to select suitable patients for MAD treatment. This study aimed to systematically review the literature on the predictive value of cephalometric analysis for MAD treatment outcomes in adult OSA patients. Methods: The MEDLINE, Google Scholar, Scopus, and Cochrane Library databases were searched through December 2014. Reference lists from the retrieved publications were also examined. English language studies published in international peer-reviewed journals concerning the predictive value of cephalometric analysis for MAD treatment outcome were considered for inclusion. Two review authors independently assessed eligibility, extracted data, and ascertained the quality of the studies. Results: Fifteen eligible studies were identified. Most of the skeletal, dental, and soft tissue cephalometric measurements examined were widely recognized as not prognostic for MAD treatment outcome; however, controversial and limited data were found on the predictive role of certain cephalometric measurements including cranial base angle, mandibular plane angle, hyoid to mandibular plane distance, posterior nasal spine to soft-palate tip distance, anterior nasal spine to epiglottis base distance, and tongue/oral cross sectional area ratio thus justifying additional studies on these parameters. Conclusions: Currently available evidence is inadequate for identification of cephalometric parameters capable of reliably discriminating between poor and good responders to MAD treatment. To guide further research, methodological weaknesses of the currently available studies were highlighted and possible reasons for their discordant results were analyzed.

• Physical Therapy Korea
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• v.27 no.1
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• pp.63-69
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• 2020

Background: Stroke recovery is a long and complex process. Successful stroke recovery seems to be strongly associated with patients' high motivation and committed participation. Patients' motivation is a key determinant of successful rehabilitation outcomes, but it is difficult in defining and measuring. Patients' participation is defined as the degree or extent to which subjects take part in rehabilitation activities and can be measured by observable behavior. Objects: The purpose of this study was to investigate the impact of patients' level of participation in rehabilitation on functional outcomes in patients with stroke. Methods: Forty post-stroke inpatients participated in this study. The level of rehabilitation participation was measured by the Hopkins Rehabilitation Engagement Rating Scale (HRERS). Other measures used for the evaluation were the Rivermead Mobility Index (RMI) and Korean version of the Modified Barthel Index (K-MBI). Overall measurements were made at early intervention and late intervention. Spearman correlation and multiple regression were used to measure the relationships between HRERS, RMI, and K-MBI. Results: The correlation found between HRERS total scores at early intervention and RMI total scores of late intervention was above moderate (r = 0.607, p < 0.01). RMI total scores at early intervention (p < 0.000), HRERS total scores at early intervention (p < 0.001), and disease duration (p < 0.003) were significant predictors of RMI total scores at late intervention. Conclusion: The level of participation at early intervention was associated with improvement in mobility. The level of mobility at early intervention, disease duration, and patients' participation at early intervention were important determinants of functional outcome. These findings suggest that patients' participation should be encouraged in order to achieve successful stroke recovery.

• Journal of The Korean Association For Science Education
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• v.23 no.6
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• pp.671-683
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• 2003

The purpose of study was to investigate practicing elementary teachers' pedagogical content knowledge and the significant predictors of their pedagogical content knowledge in science teaching. The PCK instrument was used to measure elementary teachers' pedagogical content knowledge. It consists of 6 factors to measure teachers' pedagogical content knowledge of 1)instructional methods, 2)representations, 3)contents, 4)evaluations, 5)students, and 6)curriculum. A questionnaire that consists of 7 questions regarding the teachers' degree, their number of years of teaching their choice of teaching science, their personal science teaching efficacy, their science teaching outcome expectation, their science instructional methods, and their attitudes toward teaching science, was also used to identify the information as to significant predictors of teachers' pedagogical content knowledge. A sample of 332 practicing elementary teachers participated in this study. To determine statistically significant predictors, Pearson's correlation coefficient and multiple regression methods were used to analyze the results. The results showed that the significant predictors of practicing elementary teachers' pedagogical content knowledge were their number of years of teaching, their science instructional methods, their personal science teaching efficacy and their attitudes toward teaching science. Further research of how teachers develop and construct their pedagogical content knowledge is recommended especially through the use of varied research methodologies that include qualitative methods.